Australia is reportedly considering uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster as a potential replacement for Mitchell Marsh, who is under fitness scrutiny ahead of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The day-night pink-ball Test is set to begin on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval.
According to reports by Wisden citing NewsCorp, Webster is being eyed as cover for Marsh, whose participation is uncertain due to ongoing fitness concerns stemming from past tours.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins acknowledged after the first Test in Perth that Marsh has been battling recurring issues.
“He has been battling some niggles since the UK tour. He was a little sore towards the end of the Test. We’ll monitor him over the next 10 days to see if he’s ready for the next match,” Cummins said.
While Marsh’s ability to bowl adds value to the squad, his batting remains the primary focus of his role. However, in Perth, Marsh bowled 10 overs, marking his first bowling contribution in 16 innings, which has raised questions about his physical readiness.
Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster has impressed with his versatility and consistent domestic performances.
- First-Class Record: 5,297 runs in 93 matches at an average of 37.83, with 12 centuries.
- Bowling Record: 148 wickets at 37.39, capable of bowling both off-spin and pace.
Webster has showcased his form in recent matches, including the Australia-India A series, where he scored 145 runs in four innings, including a fifty, and claimed seven wickets with two three-wicket hauls.
In his latest Sheffield Shield match, Webster demonstrated his adaptability by scoring 61 and 49 while batting at number six and taking five wickets, reinforcing his value as a lower-order aggressor and a middle-overs bowler.
Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has indicated that the same 13 players from the Perth Test would likely be retained for the second Test. However, Webster could be brought in as cover for Marsh if the latter fails to regain fitness in time.
Australia trails 0-1 in the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a 295-run defeat in the opening Test in Perth.